Unofficial news and tips about Google

November 2, 2009

Google Voice Stats

BusinessWeek found some information about Google Voice in a response to an inquiry from the Federal Communications Commission, an independent agency of the United States government:

"Google Voice, which provides people with a single phone number that can be used to reach them on their work, home, or cell phones, has 1.419 million users, according to the letter. Of those, 570,000 use it seven days a week, Google says."

The service is still limited to the US and it's available by invitation. Google Voice users can invite other users from the web interface.

Google now offers an additional version of the service for those who want to use their existing phone numbers. This version is more limited and it only offers voicemail-related features and international calling.

"Google Voice charges only for outbound calls to international locations; at present, fewer than 4% of all Google Voice users place outbound international calls," explains Google.

Google emphasizes that Google Voice is not a phone service, it's a Web-based software application. "Google Voice works with mobile phones, desk phones, work phones, and VoIP lines. There's nothing to download, upload, or install, and you don't have to make or take calls using a computer."

I really don't understand google voice. It's not like skype--I can't call from my pc, right? It would seem really inconvenient if not backwards to use my pc to call my phone so I can make a call....Am I missing something?

It's a nice service if you have lots of phones and don't mind poor transcription. I use talk2.us and they are giving away invites to join free at http://www.talk2.us/trial. You can also read and listen to your voicemail on your computer desktop in addition to getting good quality transcription via email or text message.